Role of dynamic testing in assessment of bridges : Structures

Six reinforced concrete beams were loaded incrementally up to failure. After each increment the load was removed and measurements of the modal properties of the beams were made by impulse testing. The variation of the natural frequencies, frequency ratios, mode shapes, and the level of damage were investigated. It was found that on completion of the tests the natural frequencies of the beams had been reduced by an average of 25 percent in each mode. However, changes in mode shape were very small, and appreciable differences were only observed when the damage was highly localized. Modeling of the beam by using finite elements predicted trends that compared well with experimental observations. It is concluded that if dynamic testing were used in monitoring reinforced concrete structures, then the changes in frequency due to initial concrete cracking or yield of the reinforcement could be detected. More useful information associated with the spread and type of cracking through a structure may be detectable, although the level of the frequency changes is of the same order as those due to changes in ambient conditions.